Parrot Health and Happiness

Parrot Feathers Part 1

The feathers on birds do more than just allow for flight. They also aid the bird in thermal control, help to protect and waterproof the bird, and are used as a source of communication through the use of color and movement. The function of the feather depends on the type of feather and where it is located on the birds body. Feathers come in different shapes and sizes. Here is a brief description of the different types of feathers.

            All feathers consist of a rachis and barbs. The rachis is the straight central shaft-like structure  that runs along the length of the feather. The rachis is also the structure that hold the barbs. The barbs are the most abundant part of the feather. They make up the bulk of the body of the feather.  

Feathers can be broken up into two main types: the veined feathers and the down feathers. Veined feathers are rather stiff and provide structure to the birds overall shape. Because of this they can be called contour feathers. Down feathers are fluffy and have a wispy look. They are mostly used to provide additional insulation against cold temperatures. Now, this is where it can get a little confusing. The veined feathers are stiff because of the way the barbs are positioned. In veined feathers, the barbs bear hooks called barbules, which connect the barbs. This creates a stiffened surface on the feather. Now the feather is strong, lightweight, and ready to repel water or air. These feathers are large and lay on top of the down feathers.

            Down feathers differ from the veined feathers simply because their barbs do not contain barbules. There is no way for the barbs to connect, so the barbs simply float about freely. This creates the "fluff" look. They lie underneath the veined feathers and provide pockets for nice warm insulated air.

Contour feathers are securely attached to the bird and are controlled by a specialized set of muscles within the bird's skin. Each feather can be moved, allowing the bird to use the feathers for different tasks. The feathers can be laid flat and smooth to keep out moisture and cold. They can be ruffled and stood up to communicate mood, such as when attracting a mate. Birds will often ruffle their feathers and "puff" themselves up as much as possible when frightened, trying to make themselves look much bigger than they really are, in an attempt to ward off predators.

Flight feathers are contour feathers that are found in specific locations on the bird so as to allow for optimal lift and control while the bird is airborne.. Most often, the largest feathers are those used on the wing for flight and are called regimes. The primary flight feathers (often the ones that are trimmed in captive birds) are the largest and strongest feathers on the wing and support the birds weight whilst in the air. These feathers do not simply attach to the birds skin. They are anchored in the birds bone or very securely attached to powerful ligaments. The slightly smaller flight feathers, or secondaries, aid the bird while flapping and while soaring. Tail feathers are also flight feathers because without them a bird would lack stability and control during flight. The tail feathers are called rectrices and also attach securely to the bird either directly to bone or to very strong ligaments.

A specialized feather called the powder down feather is an extremely unique feather because it actually is broken down by the bird's beak to produce a very fine powder. Not all birds have this type of feather, but many parrots do. This feather continuously grows, somewhat like human finger nails and hair. Tiny microscopic particles shed from the ends to create the powder. The powder is then spread by the bird as the bird preens, waterproofing the feathers as well as conditioning them.

The coloring of a bird is one of the most important attributes to a birds social life. The coloring of the feather can make a big difference in a birds life in regard to survival or mating. Some bird species have shiny, bright, extravagantly colored feathers to attract a mate. This is most often the male of that species. When there is much competition, the bird with the "loudest" colors wins the mate and the opportunity to pass on their genetic code to future generations. Some birds use their feathers to hide and camouflage themselves. In this way, smaller more vulnerable birds can evade attacks from predators and live to produce offspring. These birds are often feathered in dull, earthy colors so that they may blend in well with their surroundings. It is common for females to have muted coloring so that they may avoid the attention of predators since they are the ones that lay the eggs and care for the chicks.